The 67th BFI London Film Festival is set to light up the UK capital this October, bringing a spectacular array of cinematic masterpieces to the silver screen. As the city gears up for another exciting edition of this prestigious event, film enthusiasts from around the world eagerly await the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of London’s vibrant film scene. Our Arts Contributing Editor Gillian Smith explores the London titles showing – read on for more!
Yes, folks it’s that time of the year again! I’m sure I wrote the very same thing 12 months ago, but these days, time passes so quickly I’m beginning to feel as if I’m in a permanent time-lapse, day turning into night and buildings springing up around me on the city skyline.
The arrival of the LFF, however, signifies not only that Autumn is very definitely upon us, but also a bit of a lull in the inexorable march towards the year’s end. Sitting in the dark enjoying what Festival Director, Kristy Matheson, has dubbed “a cinematic mixtape” is a deeply satisfying way of shedding the outside world for a few hours at a time.
Also suitably uplifting were Matheson’s progamme remarks, “In a world where the next stressful encounter often feels like it’s moments away, come join us and take temporary cover under this wondrous blanket of art, and re-enter the world a little bit refreshed and excited by a new burning obsession that you can’t wait to share.” If that doesn’t get y’all through the doors of venues across the capital, I don’t know what will.
The Opening Night Gala is Promising Young Women director Emerald Fennell’s second feature, Saltburn, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike.
The big finish is provided by Daniel Kaluuya and Kibwe Tavares with their much-anticipated The Kitchen. Across the ten days in between, another 250 titles hailing from 92 countries and featuring 79 languages will be presented.
While that might sound like business as usual, with the SAG-AFTRA actors’ strike still ongoing (negotiations have now re-started) the usual starry turn out for the many gala premieres will perforce be affected. The BFI had this to say when contacted:
We all wish for a speedy resolution to the situation for everyone involved and impacted, but LFF red carpets will be in place as usual. We don’t guarantee specific guest attendance but can confirm we’re looking forward to welcoming a fantastic line up of international guests and homegrown talents, but of course we may have fewer people attend those carpets overall. As well as our major Galas and Special Presentations, we are also expecting a number of guests to attend the Festival across the rest of the programme to help launch their films to UK audiences.
How that will pan out on the day(s) in terms of possible ‘waivers’ for independent productions remains to be seen. But so far, the recently held Venice and Toronto festivals seem to have managed just fine, so undoubtedly all will be well.
Another plus is a veritable cornucopia of tales told featuring our own fair city; London-centric titles abound this year. Below are listed just a few. I must admit to a particular interest in Scala!!!, being old enough to remember the long-ago days when they would entice you through their less-than-respectable doors with a free bowl of chili so hot it would fuse to the roof of your mouth. Hungry students were undaunted though, and as a ruse to get bums on seats it worked like a charm.
Scala!!! Or, the incredibly strange rise and fall of the world’s wildest cinema and how it influenced a mixed-up generation of weirdos and misfits. – Dir:- Jane Giles, Ali Catterall
During Britain’s post-punk Thatcher years, London’s legendary Scala cinema offered community refuge with a programme ranging from established classics and offbeat cult hits to sexploitation, horror, Kung Fu and LGBTQIA+ titles. Nudging the boundaries of convention, the cavernous picture palace acted as source of inspiration for movie lovers and creatives.
All of Us Strangers – Dir:- Andrew Haigh/Cast:- Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy
Adam is a screenwriter living in London. He strikes up an uneasy acquaintance with his mysterious neighbour Harry, which edges towards something more intimate. At the same time, on visiting his old family home, he discovers something quite strange and beautiful, which keeps him returning time and again. But as the days continue, Adam begins to question the turn his life has taken.
The Kitchen (Closing Film) – Dir:- Kibwe Tavares, Daniel Kaluuya/Cast:- Kane Robinson, Jedaiah Bannerman, Hope Ikpoku Jr, Teija Kabs, Demmy Ladipo
Set in near-future London, Kibwe Tavares and Daniel Kaluuya’s film is a heartfelt rally against gentrification and a celebration of family and community.
Gassed Up – Dir:- George Amponsah/Cast:- Stephen Odubola, Taz Skylar, Craige Middleburg
A group of London teenage boys turn to motorbike crime for survival, while Ash joins Dubz’s gang to help look after his younger sister and get his mum into rehab.
Hoard (First Feature Competition/Winner Audience Award Venice Critics Choice) – Dir:- Luna Carmoon/Cast:- Saura Lightfoot Leon, Joseph Quinn, Hayley Squires
In a fearlessly strange and intense psychological drama a troubled teenager forms an obsessive bond with a mysterious young man at her foster home.
Unicorns – Dir:- Sally El Hosaini, James Krishna Floyd/Cast:- Ben Hardy, Jason Patel
A celebration of culture, sexuality and love, Sally El Hosaini’s third collaboration with James Krishna Floyd is a potent portrait of modern London.
The 67th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, will run from October 4-15 2023. For more info visit: www.bfi.org.uk/lff
Written by Gillian Smith
Share your thoughts in the comment box below!
We’d love to hear your feedback, suggestions, comments. For partnerships, social media coverage and feature requests please email hello@mysohotimes.co.uk
Featured on the blog:
Get social with us – follow and tag us! @mysohotimes #MySohoTimes
Sign up to receive the latest issue of our magazine – straight to your inbox!
Plus, we’ll share the latest news, events, and discounts from our partners in and around Soho in a MONTHLY newsletter… Ready to join the club?
MY SOHO TIMES 
2 thoughts on “London Calling: The 67th BFI London Film Festival gets October off to a Swinging Start | My Soho Times”